VAN ZANDT COUNTY–According to the Van Zandt County Jail website, Van Zandt County Pct. 1 Commissioner Mitchell James Curtis, 57, was arrested and booked into the Van Zandt County Jail at 8:49 a.m. Dec. 3.
Curtis, who was indicted by a Kaufman County Grand Jury, is charged with ‘Official Oppression’ and ‘Impersonating a Public Servant.’ The alleged offenses both occurred on June 7, according to the jail website.
Curtis is in his first term in office. He was sworn into office on Jan. 1 of this year.
The VZC Pct. 1 commissioner was not in attendance for the Dec. 3 regular meeting of the VZC Commissioners Court, which began at 9 a.m.
In an interview with the News Dec. 3, VZC Criminal District Attorney Tonda Curry discussed the ongoing investigation into the allegations against Curtis. 
Curry shed light on the steps taken to ensure the integrity of the legal process and maintaining public trust.
The VZC criminal district attorney revealed that several months ago, the Texas Rangers informed her office about allegations against Curtis. 
To avoid any appearance of impropriety, she filed a motion to recuse her office from the case, which was granted by VZC District Judge Chris Martin.
As a result, the Kaufman County District Attorney's office was appointed as the special prosecutor for the case.
Curry stated: "I didn't want there to be any appearance of political motivation, one way or the other, whether something was done or not."
When asked about the nature of the allegations, Curry explained that while she was aware of the general details, she had not seen the evidence. 
The Texas Rangers contacted her after receiving a complaint, prompting the investigation, according to Curry.
Curry explained: "It was the Texas Rangers’ duty to look into that complaint, and they were beginning an investigation. I told them that I would recuse my office because I didn't want there to be any appearance of impropriety at all."
Curry emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and public trust in the process. She said the relationship between her office and the VZC Commissioners’ Court could lead to perceptions of bias, whether she chose to proceed with the case or not.
Curry noted: "If I had proceeded with the case, people could have alleged that it was some type of motivation other than what the evidence said. If I had elected not to proceed, again, people could have alleged it was some other type of improper motivation."
The Kaufman County District Attorney's office presented their findings to the Kaufman County Grand Jury, which ultimately returned an indictment against Curtis. Following this development, Curtis was arrested.
Curry confirmed: "He was arrested because of the Grand Jury indictment.”
As the case moves into the court system, Martin has recused himself, and a visiting judge will oversee the proceedings. 
Curry clarified that her office would not be involved in any further legal actions related to the case.
Curry concluded: "We don’t want to get accused of sweeping something under the rug or singling somebody out. Either way would be wrong."
VZC Republican Party Chairman Lance Lenz released the following statement Dec. 3 following Curtis’ indictment and arrest.
“Mitchell James Curtis, the current Commissioner in Van Zandt County Precinct 1, has been arrested on charges of third-degree impersonating public servant (felony) and Class A official oppression (misdemeanor),” said Lenz. “The indictment came from Kaufman County.
“As Republican County Chairman I find this very disturbing as Mr. Curtis may have broken the trust of the voters in Commissioner Pct 1,” continued Lenz. “At the same time, I believe every person deserves their day in court and should be treated innocently until proven guilty.”